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“This is an issue that has captured the public’s imagination with overwhelming support for the changes.

“We believe that by making these changes we can save as many as 700 more lives every year.”

The Daily Mirror called for everyone in the UK to be a potential donor unless they chose to opt out. Wales already has that system and Scotland has agreed to follow.

Under the proposals, the wishes of families and next of kin would continue to be respected, so organs will not be removed without their backing.

Ms Doyle-Price also stressed that organ donation will “remain a gift”, adding: “I want to encourage people who wish to give life in the event of their death to take time to record their wishes and discuss it with their family.”

Organ donations from individuals will now be decided an opt out basis (Image: Daily Mirror)

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The donor register will include an option for individuals to state religious and cultural beliefs to ensure they are respected.

The changes are expected to begin in England in spring 2020. Under-18s, people who lack the mental capacity to understand the changes and those who have not lived in England for at least 12 months before their death will be excluded from the plans.

Research shows that 82 per cent of Brits support organ donation, but only 37 per cent have recorded their wishes.

Max’s Law aims to minimise this gap so the decision does not fall to grieving families when a patient’s wish is unknown.

Currently less than half of ­families give consent for a loved one’s organs to be donated if they are unaware of their wishes.

Those who do not wish to donate their organs will still be able to record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Fiona Loud, of Kidney Care UK, said: “For the 25,000 patients on dialysis in England, this means hope and a new future.”

Simon Gillespie, of the British Heart Foundation, added: ­“Introducing an opt-out system will give hope to those currently waiting for a transplant.”

Crash girl, 9, saved four lives

The parents of the little girl who gave her heart to save Mirror boy Max Johnson last night hailed the new organ donation law.

The heart of Keira Ball, nine, was given to Max last August after she died in a car accident near her home in Barnstaple, Devon, on July 30.

She saved four lives – two adults received her kidneys, and her pancreas and liver went to another little boy, while Max got her heart.

Keira’s father, train fitter Joe, 35, made the donation decision alone because her mum Loanna, 34, was drifting in and out of consciousness after the crash. Joe said he was inspired by Keira’s desire to help others throughout her life.

Within hours of his decision, Keira’s heart was taken to Newcastle upon Tyne to save Max, who had waited six months for a transplant to replace his dangerously enlarged heart.

Keira helped to save several lives after she died in a car accident (Image: Daily Mirror)

Loanna, 34, who also has Keely, 13, Katelyn, 12, and Bradley, eight, said: “This is such a terrible time of year for us, the anniversary of the crash. But seeing how well Max is doing gives us all a massive, massive lift.“

She added that they were blessed to have Max’s family in their lives – marketing expert Emma, 48, civil servant Paul, 45, and Max’s brother Harry, 13, of Winsford, Cheshire,

Joe and Loanne met Max this week at the Devon Show, where he helped raise funds for their charity, Inspired by Keira, to boost organ donation. Loanna said: “Looking at Max’s pictures from a year ago has made us aware that if it was not for Joe’s decision, Max wouldn’t be here now.”

Joe said: “Max made a speech and it was so moving. It is his heart anniversary but also the day we lost Keira, so there are many memories.

“We did a heart-shaped cake for him and we know there will always be that bond between our families.”

The families have given permission for pictures of Keira and Max to be used in awareness campaigns next year. “Keira lives on in this new organ donation law,” said Loanna.